Indonesia’s football association on Tuesday banned two officials from Arema Football Club for life over the stadium stampede disaster that left at least 131 people dead.

Chairman of Arema FC’s organising committee Abdul Haris, and a security officer were ordered not to carry out any activities in the football environment for life.

The club was also fined 250 million rupiah – equivalent to 16,000 dollars - over the tragedy.

While the Indonesian FA moved to sanction club officials, much of the criticism has centred on the response of the police at the stadium when they tried to quell a pitch invasion.

Police described the incident as a riot and said two officers were killed, but survivors accused them of overreacting.

Officers responded to the pitch invasion with force, kicking and hitting fans with batons, according to witnesses and video footage, prompting more fans to enter the pitch.

After tear gas was fired by police, many died from being trampled or suffocated as panicked supporters rushed for small exit gates, some that were closed.